Top U.S. Commander in Middle East Submits Retirement

Dec. 20, 2006 — -- Gen. John Abizaid has submitted his retirement as the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East.

Sources familiar with the general's plans say he intends to retire in March.

Maj. Matt McLaughlin, a spokesman for the U.S. Central Command, would not confirm Abizaid's departure, but he told ABC News that Abizaid intended to leave in "early 2007."

"In the spring of 2006, Secretary [Donald] Rumsfeld asked Gen. Abizaid to remain as the commander of U.S. Central Command until early in 2007," McLaughlin said.

"He does not intend to extend beyond that period. Gen. Abizaid became commander in July 2003 and has served longer in this position than any previous commander."

One of the few senior military officers who is fluent in Arabic, Abizaid earned a reputation for candor.

In August, he warned about the dangers of civil war in Iraq. More recently, he spoke skeptically about the idea of sending more U.S. troops into Iraq.

Although he has served longer than any of his predecessors, Abizaid had planned to stay on a bit longer, military officials said.

Military officials say the possible replacements for Abizaid include Navy Adm. William "Fox" Fallon, Air Force Gen. Michael "Buzz" Moseley, and Army Gen. David Petreaus.